FROM RUSSIA

<i>From Russia</i> is a documentary about post-Soviet Russia by an American who traveled to that country extensively over the last decade. David Reed skillfully blends the personal (much of the video takes place in the homes of friends) and the political (including a burial ceremony in Saint Petersburg for the murdered family of the last Czar and a visit to a formerly closed military town in the far North). At turns jubilant and sad, critical and embracing, Reed's video gently guides us to see Russia through his eyes; though elements of frustration and confusion recur throughout the film, both his excitement and love of his subject shine through.